Storage device carrier assembly

ABSTRACT

A computing system for housing a number of storage devices includes a number of device cages, and a backplane coupled to each of the device cages to electrically couple a number of the storage devices to the computing system. The backplane includes a number of device combination signal and power interfaces located on a first side of the backplane to couple a number of the storage devices to the backplane. The backplane further includes a number of combination signal and power interfaces located on a second side of the backplane to couple the backplane to the computing system. The backplane further includes a number of signal connectors to couple the backplane to the computing system.

BACKGROUND

Computing systems such as desktop computing systems, laptop computingsystems, workstations, and server computing systems are capable ofproviding processing resources, data storage resources, and othercomputing resources to a user. A user may purchase a computing systemthat is best suited for his or her computing needs and may includespecific internal and external computing resources.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the principlesdescribed herein and are a part of the specification. The illustratedexamples are given merely for illustration, and do not limit the scopeof the claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computing system incorporating storagedevice carrier assemblies, according to one example of the principlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the computing system of FIG. 1, accordingto one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a storage device carrier assembly ofFIG. 1, according to one example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an individual storage device carrierof the storage device carrier assembly of FIG. 3, according to oneexample of the principles described herein.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the individual storage devicecarrier of the storage device carrier assembly of FIG. 3, according toone example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a first side of a backplane coupled to thestorage device carrier assembly of FIG. 3, according to one example ofthe principles described herein.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the storage device carrier assemblyof FIG. 3 depicting a second side of a backplane of FIG. 6, according toone example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the storage device carrier assemblyof FIG. 3 depicting a second side of a backplane of FIG. 6 including anumber of Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interfaces,according to another example of the principles described herein.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an internal storage bay of FIG. 1 depictinga storage device carrier assembly inserted therein, according to oneexample of the principles described herein.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the internal storage bay of FIG. 1including a number of individual storage device carriers and associatedstorage devices inserted therein, according to one example of theprinciples described herein.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As mentioned above, a user is able to select and purchase a computingsystem that is best suited for his or her computing needs and mayinclude specific internal and external computing resources. However,once purchased, it may be very difficult for the user to alter thecomputing system to fit a new or additional computing need. Themodularity and configurability of the user's computing system isseverely limited. This may be due to the available space, number ofstorage bays, and form factor of the devices allowed within thecomputing system.

If the user, for example, wishes to install a larger number differentform factor storage devices, the user is unable to do so because of alack of interfaces and physical bays available to accommodate thedesired number of storage devices. Thus, in order to reconfigure (ifallowed or possible) one or more storage devices or obtain storageexpansion or additional storage capabilities, several complicated andnon-user-friendly steps would be required. Further, removal of severalother storage devices may be required, and additional cabling andcomputer infrastructure may be required. These modifications may not bea tool-free solution. These solutions add cost to the computing systemas the computing needs of a user change.

Examples described herein provide a storage device carrier assembly thatincreases the number of storage bays and allows for independent deviceaccess of a plurality of storage devices. The storage device carrierassembly includes a device cage and at least one device cage railcoupled to the outside of the device cage to couple the device cage to achassis of a computing system. A plurality of storage device carrierrails are coupled to the inside of the device cage to couple a pluralityof storage device carriers to the device cage. Each of the storagedevice carriers houses a storage device.

A backplane is coupled to the device cage to electrically couple anumber of the computing resources to the computing system. The backplaneincludes a number of storage device interfaces located on the first sideof the backplane. The storage device interfaces electrically couple anumber of the computing resources to the computing system. In oneexample, the first side of the backplane includes four storage deviceinterfaces to support Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface(SAS) or Serial ATA (SATA) storage devices.

In another example, the first side of the backplane includes two deviceinterfaces to support SAS or SATA storage devices; and two storagedevice interfaces to support SAS, SATA, or Peripheral ComponentInterconnect Express (PCIe) storage devices.

In another example, the first side of the backplane includes fourstorage device interfaces to support SAS, SATA, or PCIe. In thisexample, the four device interfaces are blind-mate interfaces. In thisexample, the backplane interfaces located on the first side of thebackplane are blind-mate interfaces.

The backplane further includes a number of backplane interfaces locatedon the second side of the backplane to provide connectivity between thecomputing resources and the computing system. In this example, thebackplane interfaces located on the second side of the backplane areblind-mate interfaces.

In one example, the combination signal and power interfaces located onthe first side of the backplane include a number of combination SAS andSATA connectors. In another example, the combination signal and powerinterfaces located on the first side of the backplane include a numberof combination SAS, SATA, and PCIe connectors.

In one example, the backplane further includes a number of signalconnectors that couple the backplane to the computing system. In thisexample, the signal connectors include a number of combination SAS andSATA connectors.

Each of the storage device carrier assemblies includes an assembly latchto couple the storage device carrier assemblies to the computing systemchassis. Further, each of the individual storage device carriersincludes a storage device carrier latch to couple the storage devicecarriers to the storage device carrier assembly. Each individual storagedevice carrier includes a number of retention pins to couple a storagedevice to the storage device carrier. In one example, each of thestorage device carriers includes a stationary rail and a moveable railopposite the stationary rail. The retention pins are located on thestationary rail and the moveable rail to provide space within thestorage device carrier to insert and secure a storage device in thestorage device carrier.

With the above computing topology, each of the storage device carriersis independently accessible without removal of the main storage devicecarrier assembly or another storage device carrier. This provides for asystem that eliminates the use of tools to reconfigure the computingsystem, and allows a user to change the capabilities of the computingsystem in a highly modular manner.

In one example, the storage device carrier assembly may be sold as anafter-market product. In this manner, a user may reconfigure theircomputing system to accommodate SFF storage devices, LFF storagedevices, and combinations thereof. In another example, the storagedevice carrier assembly may be configured by a computing systemmanufacturer as a customer-orderable option.

Dimensions of Small Form Factor (SFF) and Large Form Factor (LFF)storage devices as used herein and in the appended claims are those formfactors defined by a number of storage industry standards committees.

In one example, a number of graphics may be presented on each of thestorage device carriers to indicate proper orientation of the storagedevice within the storage device carrier. These graphics may include,for example, graphics depicting a storage device's interface. Thesegraphics may be placed on a storage device carrier to indicate to theuser that the user is to align and arrange the storage device in acertain orientation with respect to the storage device carrier.

In one example, a plurality of storage device carrier assemblies arecoupleable to the chassis of the computing system. In this example, thestorage device carrier assemblies are mountable in an internal storagebay of a computing system.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that the present apparatus, systems,and methods may be practiced without these specific details, and thatthese specific details are non-limiting. Reference in the specificationto “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with that exampleis included as described, but may not be included in other examples.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computingsystem (100) incorporating storage device carrier assemblies (110-1,110-2), according to one example of the principles described herein. Thecomputing system (100) of FIG. 1 may be, for example, a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a server computing system, a workstation,or other type of computing system.

The computing system (100) includes internal drive space (106) thatincludes a number of internal storage bays that can be utilized forelectrically coupling an increased number of smaller storage devices(FIG. 2, 111 through 118) to the computing system (100). The storagedevices (FIG. 2, 111 through 118) are coupled to the computing system(100) via a number of storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2).The storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) are mountable tothe chassis of the computing system (100). Although two storage devicecarrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) are depicted in FIG. 1, any number ofstorage device carrier assemblies may be coupled to the computing system(100).

Each of the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) includes anumber of storage device carriers (120 through 127) housing a storagedevice. The storage device carriers (120 through 127) will be describedin more detail below. However, each storage device carrier (120 through127) houses a SFF storage device. Computing technology has advanced suchthat the size of storage devices such as those depicted in FIG. 2, aselements 111 through 118, are smaller than a LFF storage device.

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, theterms “small form factor” or “SFF” is meant to be understood broadly asany storage device of reduced volume relative to a large form factorstorage device. In one example, an SFF storage device is a storagedevice with a form factor defined by storage industry standardscommittees. The standards are loosely based on the internal disk orplatter diameter within a hard disk drive. These diameters were 2.5inches for what, at the time, the industry defined as a SFF device, and3.5 inches for what, at the time, the industry defined as a LFF device.These dimension no longer indicate actual physical dimensions ofcomputing devices such as data storage devices, and have no physicalmeaning when dealing with, for example, solid state drives. Thus, theterms “SFF” and “LFF” indicate the overall physical drive size, eventhough they are not related to the outer dimensions. In one example,both SFF and LFF form factors may be defined by a fixed width and depth.However, any number of height dimensions may be utilized in both a SFFdevice and LFF device. Thus, throughout the present specification and inthe appended claims, SFF and LFF devices will be described withoutreference to specific physical dimensions.

In many computing systems, four LFF storage devices may be mountedwithin the internal drive space (106) of a computing system (100).Examples described herein, however, double the storage device capacityfrom four LFF storage devices to eight SFF storage devices. Further, theexamples described herein also provide for an extremely versatilecomputing system (100) that can accommodate for installation of avariety of different form factor storage devices in a common drive spacewhile providing for independent and individual insertion and removal ofthe storage devices irrespective of their form factor without having toremove other storage devices.

Further, in some examples, the computing system (100) as a base unit areenabled with the features described herein. In this example, thecomputing system provides an extensive degree of modularity not providedby other systems that do not include these features. Not providing thesefeatures in a computing system adds significant costs to a manufacturerand a user who purchases the base system because of the need to providea wide range of specialty devices. Further, computing systems that donot utilize the features described herein lack independent drive accesssuch that a multi-storage device carrier must be removed to accessindividual drives. Examples described herein eliminate thesedisadvantages.

Turning back to FIG. 1, the storage devices housed by the storage devicecarriers (120 through 127) may include any computing device that may becoupled to the computing system (100), its associated motherboard, andother base computing components. Thus, although storage devices aredescribed throughout the present specification, these storage devicesare one of many examples of computer-associated devices that may beutilized within the examples of the present systems and methods.

In one example, the storage devices housed by the storage devicecarriers (120 through 127) are data storage devices.

In this example, the storage devices may be Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) orSolid State Devices (SSDs). In another example, the storage deviceshoused by the storage device carriers (120 through 127) are dataprocessing devices or data transmission devices, among other types ofcomputing systems. Each storage device may be different in form factorand function as another storage device. In another example, the storagedevices housed by the storage device carriers (120 through 127) arestorage devices that utilize Serial ATA (SATA) interfaces, storagedevices that utilize Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface(SAS) interfaces, storage devices that utilize Peripheral ComponentInterconnect Express (PCIe) interfaces, other types of computinginterfaces, and combinations thereof. Each storage device may utilize acomputing interface different from another storage device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the computing system (100) of FIG. 1,according to one example of the principles described herein. Thecomputing system (100) may be implemented in an electronic device.Examples of electronic devices include servers, desktop computers,laptop computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), mobile devices,smartphones, gaming systems, and tablets, among other electronicdevices.

The computing system (100) may be utilized in any data processingscenario including, stand-alone hardware, mobile applications, through acomputing network, or combinations thereof. Further, the computingsystem (100) may be used in a computing network, a public cloud network,a private cloud network, a hybrid cloud network, other forms ofnetworks, or combinations thereof.

To achieve its desired functionality, the computing system (100)includes various hardware components. Among these hardware componentsmay be a motherboard (101), number of processors (102) on themotherboard (101), a number of data storage devices (103), a number ofperipheral device adapters (104), and a number of network adapters(105). These hardware components may be interconnected through the useof a number of busses and/or network connections. In one example, themotherboard (101), processor (102), data storage devices (103),peripheral device adapters (104), and a network adapter (105) may becommunicatively coupled via a bus (107).

The motherboard (101) and processors (102) may include the hardwarearchitecture to retrieve executable code from the data storage device(103) and execute the executable code. The executable code may, whenexecuted by the processors (102), cause the processors (102) toimplement at least the functionality of receiving signals from thestorage devices (111 through 118) housed within the storage devicecarriers (120 through 127) of the storage device carrier assemblies(110-1, 110-2), and processing those signals. In the course of executingcode, the processors (102) may receive input from and provide output toa number of the remaining hardware units.

The data storage devices (103) may store data such as executable programcode that is executed by the processor (102) or other processing device.As will be discussed, the data storage device (103) may specificallystore computer code representing a number of applications that theprocessors (102) execute to implement at least the functionalitydescribed herein.

The data storage device (103) may include various types of memorymodules, including volatile and nonvolatile memory in addition to thestorage devices (111 through 118). For example, the data storage device(103) of the present example includes Random Access Memory (RAM)(103-1), Read Only Memory (ROM) (103-2), and Hard Disk Drive (HDD)memory (103-3). Many other types of memory may also be utilized, and thepresent specification contemplates the use of many varying type(s) ofmemory in the data storage device (103) as may suit a particularapplication of the principles described herein. In certain examples,different types of memory in the data storage device (103) may be usedfor different data storage needs. For example, in certain examples theprocessors (102) may boot from ROM (103-2), maintain nonvolatile storagein the HDD memory (103-3), and execute program code stored in RAM(103-1).

Data storage devices described herein including the data storage device(103) and the storage devices (111 through 118) may include a computerreadable medium, a computer readable storage medium, or a non-transitorycomputer readable medium, among others. For example, the data storagedevice (103) and the storage devices (111 through 118) may be, but notlimited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared,or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitablecombination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computerreadable storage medium may include, for example, the following: anelectrical connection having a number of wires, a portable computerdiskette, a hard disk, a RAM, a ROM, an Erasable Programmable Read-OnlyMemory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable Compact Disc Read-Only Memory(CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or anysuitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document,a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that cancontain, or store computer usable program code for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.In another example, a computer readable storage medium may be anynon-transitory medium that can contain, or store a program for use by orin connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice.

The hardware adapters (104, 105) in the computing system (100) enablethe processors (102) to interface with various other hardware elements,external and internal to the computing system (100) including thestorage devices (111 through 118) within the data storage carriers(110-1, 110-2). For example, the peripheral device adapters (104) mayprovide an interface to input/output devices, such as, for example, adisplay device (109), a mouse, or a keyboard. The peripheral deviceadapters (104) may also provide access to other external devices such asan external storage device, a number of network devices such as, forexample, servers, switches, and routers, client devices, other types ofcomputing systems, and combinations thereof.

The display device (109) may be provided to allow a user of thecomputing system (100) to interact with and implement the functionalityof the computing system (100). The peripheral device adapters (104) mayalso create an interface between the processors (102) and the displaydevice (109), a printer, or other media output devices. The networkadapter (105) may provide an interface to other computing systemswithin, for example, a network, thereby enabling the transmission ofdata between the computing system (100) and other devices located withinthe network.

The computing system (100) may, when executed by the processors (102),display the number of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) on the displaydevice (109) associated with the executable program code representingthe number of applications stored on the data storage device (103) andthe storage devices (111 through 118). The GUIs may include aspects ofthe executable code including display of interactive windows thatprovide a user with the ability to instruct the computing system (100)and it various components to perform a number of tasks. Examples ofdisplay devices (109) include a computer screen, a laptop screen, amobile device screen, a PDA screen, and a tablet screen, among otherdisplay devices (109).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a storage device carrier assembly(110-1, 110-2) of FIG. 1, according to one example of the principlesdescribed herein. As depicted in FIG. 3, the storage device carrierassemblies (110-1, 110-2), collectively referred to as 110, house anumber of the storage device carriers (120 through 127) that, in turn,house the storage devices (FIG. 2, 111 through 118). The storage devicecarriers (124 through 127) of the second storage device carrier assembly(110-2) are depicted in FIG. 3. In one example, the number of storagedevice carriers (120 through 127) a storage device carrier assembly(110-1, 110-2) may house is up to four. The storage device carriers (124through 127) depicted in FIG. 3 are not depicted with the storagedevices (FIG. 2, 111 through 118) housed therein.

The storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) include a frame(301) to enclose the storage device carriers (120 through 127) and alignthe storage device carriers (120 through 127) within the storage devicecarrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2). In one example, the frame (301) ismade of sheet metal. In another example, the frame is made of a polymermaterial.

The storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) include a leveroperated cam assembly (302) used to physically couple the storage devicecarrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) to the chassis of the computing system(100). The lever operated cam assembly (302) includes a handle (302-1),a chassis pin notch (302-2) defined within the handle (302-1), a campivot (302-3) to pivot the handle about a pivot point defined by the campivot (302-3), a cam latch (302-4) to secure the handle (302-1) in aclosed position, and a number of alignment rails (303-1, 303-2). Thealignment rails (303-1, 303-2) assist in proper alignment of the storagedevice carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) relative to the interior of theinternal drive space (106) and a number of data transmission interfaceslocated at the back of the internal drive space (106). The alignmentrails (303-1, 303-2) are located on both sides of the storage devicecarrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2). Although two alignment rails (303-1,303-2) are depicted in FIG. 3, any number of (303-1, 303-2) may beincluded along both sides of the storage device carrier assemblies(110-1, 110-2).

The storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) are coupled to theinternal drive space (106) by aligning the storage device carrierassemblies (110-1, 110-2) into the internal drive space (106) using thealignment rails (303-1, 303-2) of the storage device carrier assemblies(110-1, 110-2) and a corresponding number of chassis channels definedwithin the internal drive space (106). The handle (302-1) is used tocarry the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) and positionthem relative to the internal drive space (106).

As will be described in more detail below, as the storage device carrierassemblies (110-1, 110-2) reach the back of the internal drive space(106), a number of blind-mate connectors located on a computing systemside (i.e., back side) of a backplane (304) of the storage devicecarrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 engage withmating blind-mate connectors located within the internal drive space(106).

As used in the present specification and in the appended claims, theterm “blind-mate connector” is meant to be understood broadly as anyconnection between two computing devices or systems that can beaccomplished without tools. In one example, a blind-mate connector isany connection that may be coupled to a mating blind-mate connectorwithout a user having line of sight to assist in alignment or couplingand without user interaction to facilitate in the coupling of the matingblind-mate connectors. In one example, blind-mate connectors includeself-aligning features that provide alignment when mating.

In order to lock the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2)into the internal drive space (106) after coupling the mating blind-mateconnectors, the handle (302-1) is rotated about the cam pivot (302-3) asindicated by arrow 306 to a closed position where the cam latch (302-4)engages with the handle (302-1) and prevents the handle (302-1) frommoving in an opposite direction of arrow 306. Simultaneous to therotation of the handle (302-1) and engagement of the handle (302-1) withthe cam latch (302-4), the chassis pin notch (302-2) defined within thehandle (302-1) engages with a chassis pin located within the internaldrive space (106) preventing the storage device carrier assemblies(110-1, 110-2) from being removed from the internal drive space (106).In this manner, the lever operated cam assembly (302) secures thestorage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) in the internal drivespace (106). In one example, the handle (302-1) of the lever operatedcam assembly (302) is spring biased in the direction opposite arrow 306such that when the handle (302-1) is disengaged from the cam latch(302-4), the handle (302-1) rotates in an open position. In thisexample, the cam pivot (302-3) is a spring-biased pivot. In one example,the handle (302) is spring loaded to extend to less of a rotation thanparallel with the bottom of the storage device carrier assembly (110-1,110-2) to allow the user access to the handle (302). The user may thenrotate the handle (302) to cam/lever the storage device carrier assemblyout of the internal storage bay. In this example, the back surface(302-5) of the chassis pin notch (302-2) presses/cams on a surface orwall in the internal storage bay of the chassis. This lever actiondisengages the blind-mate connection by overcoming the frictionassociated with the blind-mate connection, and allows the user to easilyslide the storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) out of theinternal storage bay.

Although a lever operated cam assembly (302) is depicted and used tocouple the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) to theinternal drive space (106), any assembly may be used.

The storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) further include abackplane (304). The backplane (304) provides electricalinterconnectivity between the storage devices (111 through 118) housedwithin the storage device carriers (120 through 127) of the storagedevice carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) and a number of blind-mateconnectors located within the internal drive space (106). In thismanner, electrical signals are transmitted between the storage devices(111 through 118) and the motherboard (FIG. 1, 101) of the computingsystem (100).

In order to align and seat the storage device carriers (120 through 127)and their respective storage devices (111 through 118) with a number ofblind-mate connectors located on the storage device side of thebackplane (304), the frame (301) includes a number of alignment guides(307) upon which each of the storage device carriers (120 through 127)seat. The bottom storage device carrier (123, 127) may utilize analignment guide (307), or may use the bottom of the frame (301) in placeof an alignment guide (307).

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a storage device carrier (120through 127) of the storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) ofFIG. 3, according to one example of the principles described herein.FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the storage device carrier (120through 127) of the storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) ofFIG. 3, according to one example of the principles described herein. Inone example, the storage device carriers (120 through 127) are made of apolymer. The storage device carriers (120 through 127) include a firstrib (406) and a second rib (407) coupled to or formed out of the samepiece of material as two storage device carrier rails (403-1, 403-2).The storage device carrier rails (403-1, 403-2) are the portion of thestorage device carriers (120 through 127) that rest on the alignmentguides (FIG. 3, 307) of the storage device carrier assembly (110-1,110-2). In one example, the first rib (406), second rib (407), andstorage device carrier rails (403-1, 403-2) are dimensioned to fit a SFFstorage device.

The storage device carrier rails (403-1, 403-2) include a number ofcarrier rail pins (413, 414). The storage device carrier rails (403-1,403-2) include a stationary rail (403-2) and a flexible rail (403-1) sothat when the flexible rail (403-1) is disengaged from the carrierhandle release lever (402) via retention pin (405) and moved in thedirection of arrow 410, a storage device (FIG. 1, 111 through 118) maybe inserted into the storage device carrier (120 through 127). Inanother example, the flexible rail (403-1) may rotate about a number ofpivots formed within the first rib (406) and the second rib (407).

The carrier rail pins (413) of the stationary rail (403-2) engage with anumber of storage device mounting holes. Thereafter, the flexible rail(403-1) may be allowed to return from a flexed position in the directionopposite arrow 410 to engage the carrier rail pins (414) of the flexiblerail (403-1) with a number of additional storage device mounting holes.In one example, the position of the carrier rail pins (413, 414) of thestorage device carrier (120 through 127) are defined by the location ofthe mounting holes in the storage device. In this example, the positionof the mounting holes defined within the storage device may be anindustry standard defined by a number of technology committees or amanufacturer. The flexible rail (403-1), after the carrier rail pins(414) of the flexible rail (403-1) engage with the additional storagedevice mounting holes, reengages with the retention pin (405) on thecarrier handle release lever (402) to secure the flexible rail (403-1).

In one example, the carrier rail pins (413, 414) are secured within anumber of elastomeric material or other material that is able to resumeits original shape when a deforming force is removed. In this example,the carrier rail pins (413, 414) act to reduce or eliminate vibrationsthat may be experienced by the storage devices (FIG. 2, 111 through 118)housed within the storage device carriers (120 through 127). The carrierrail pins (413, 414) in this example act as vibration isolation anddamping devices. In one example, the carrier rail pins (413, 414) aremolded into the storage device carriers (120 through 127).

In one example, a number of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)grounding wires (502-1, 502-2) may be used to couple the storage deviceto the storage device carriers (120 through 127), and the storage devicecarriers to the storage device carrier assemblies, which in turn hasfeatures to make a ground coupling with the computing system (100) suchas the chassis to reduce electromagnetic interference within the system.In this example, the grounding wire may also serve as a mechanicalretention mechanism for retaining the storage device. In the exampledepicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the EMC grounding wires (502-1, 502-2) andthe retention pins (413, 414) are formed from the same piece ofmaterial. In this manner, the EMC grounding wires (502-1, 502-2) arepositioned through portions of the flexible rail (403-1) and thestationary rail (403-2), and the ends of the EMC grounding wires (502-1,502-2) form the retention pins (413, 414).

In one example, alignment indicia (FIG. 5, 501) may be formed on thestorage device carrier (120 through 127). The alignment indicia (FIG. 5,501) may assist a user in understanding the correct orientation at whicha storage device (111 through 118) engages with the storage devicecarrier (120 through 127). In one example, the alignment indicia (FIG.5, 501) may include a graphic such as a graphic of a pin layout of thestorage device (111 through 118) connector so that the user can identifya pin layout of the storage device (111 through 118) connector and matchit with the graphic of a pin layout formed in the storage device carrier(120 through 127).

Having described how a storage device (111 through 118) engages with thestorage device carrier (120 through 127), the method of engaging thestorage device carrier (120 through 127) with the storage device carrierassemblies (110-1, 110-2) will now be described. The storage devicecarrier (120 through 127) includes a carrier handle (401), a carrierhandle release lever (402), and a carrier camming lever (411). Thestorage device carrier (120 through 127) is installed into the storagedevice carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) by releasing the carrier handle(401). The carrier handle (401) is released by moving the carrier handlerelease lever (402) in the direction indicated by arrow 409. Once thecarrier handle release lever (402) is disengaged from the carrier handle(401), the carrier handle (401) may then move in the direction of arrow410 about a carrier pivot pin (412). In one example, the carrier handle(401) is biased in a position of disengagement from the carrier handlerelease lever (402) and in an open position using a spring positionedbetween the first rib (406) and the carrier handle (401). The carrierhandle (401) includes a number of gripping features (408) that assist auser in gripping the storage device carrier (120 through 127).

The storage device carrier (120 through 127) may be gripped by thecarrier handle (401) and placed in a slot created within the storagedevice carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) by the alignment guides (307).The storage device carrier (120 through 127) is slid into positionwithin a storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) along thealignment guides (307) until the storage device carrier (120 through127) reaches the back of the storage device carrier assembly (110-1,110-2). At this point, a storage device (FIG. 2, 111 through 118)engaged within the storage device carrier (120 through 127) engages witha number of blind-mate interfaces located on the storage device side ofthe backplane (FIG. 3, 304).

Once the storage device (FIG. 2, 111 through 118) is coupled to thebackplane (304), the storage device carrier (120 through 127) may beretained within the storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) viathe carrier handle release lever (402), the carrier camming lever (411)of the carrier handle (401), and a carrier retention wall formed by thecarrier frame (301) of the storage device carrier assembly (110-1,110-2). The carrier handle (401) is moved in a direction opposite arrow410, and locked into a closed position by the carrier handle releaselever (402). Simultaneously, the carrier camming lever (411) of thecarrier handle (401) engages with a carrier retention wall formed by thecarrier frame (301) located behind the cosmetic trim (FIG. 3, 310) ofthe storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2). In this manner, thecarrier camming lever (411), when seated behind the carrier retentionbar (FIG. 3, 310), retains the storage device carrier (120 through 127)within the storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2). Further, thecosmetic trim (FIG. 3, 310) may include a number of carrier indicia(310-1) to indicate to a user the identity of the storage deviceinserted into a particular slot within the storage device carrierassembly (110-1, 110-2). The carrier indicia (310-1) may includenumbers, letters, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a first side (605) of a backplane (601)coupled to the storage device carrier (110-1, 110-2) of FIG. 3,according to one example of the principles described herein. Thebackplane (601) of the storage device carrier (110-1, 110-2) providesfor signal transmission between the storage devices (FIG. 2, 111 through118) and the motherboard (FIG. 2, 101) of the computing system (100).

The backplane (601) is a Printed Circuit Assembly (PCA) with a number ofelectrical traces between a number of interfaces located on the firstside (605) and a number of interfaces located on a second side (FIG. 7,706). The backplane (601) is coupled to the storage device carrierassembly (110-1, 110-2) carrier frame (FIG. 3, 301) via a number ofmounting holes (602) and mounting screws (FIG. 7, 702). The backplane(601) is coupled to the storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2)carrier frame (FIG. 3, 301) such that the interfaces (603, 604) on thefirst side (605) of the backplane (601) align and mate with the storagedevices (111 through 118) housed within the storage device carriers (120through 127). As mentioned above, the connection between the storagedevices (111 through 118) and the interfaces (603, 604) on the firstside (605) of the backplane (601) is a blind-mate connection.

The interfaces (603, 604) on the first side (605) of the backplane (601)include any type of interface the storage devices (111 through 118) useto communicate with the motherboard (101). The interfaces (603, 604) maybe SAS interfaces, SATA interfaces, PCIe interfaces, combination SAS andSATA interfaces, combination SAS, SATA, and PCIe interfaces, other typesof interfaces, or combinations thereof.

In one example, interfaces (603) are combination SAS and SATAinterfaces. In another example, interfaces (604) are combination SAS,SATA and PCIe interfaces. In these examples, the interface connectors(603, 604) are arranged along the backplane (601) such that the storagedevices (FIG. 2, 111 through 118) housed in the storage device carriers(120 through 127) blind-mate with the connectors as the storage devices(FIG. 2, 111 through 118) are inserted into the storage device carrierassemblies (110-1, 110-2).

Each of the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) willaccommodate for up to four storage devices. In this example, four SFFstorage devices utilize the two combination SAS/SATA interfaceconnectors (603) and the two combination SAS/SATA/PCIe interfaceconnectors (604). In this manner, an internal drive space (106) that,for example, includes four internal LFF storage bays, may be convertedinto eight SFF internal storage bays. In one example, the presentstorage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) can scale up or scaledown the number of storage devices that can couple to the computingsystem (100). For example, one LFF storage bay may be converted into twoSFF storage bays, two LFF storage bays may be converted into four SFFstorage bays, three LFF storage bay may be converted into six SFFstorage bays, and so on.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the storage device carrier assembly(110-1, 110-2) of FIG. 3 depicting a second side (706) of the backplane(601) of FIG. 6, according to one example of the principles describedherein. In the example of FIG. 7, the backplane (601) is depicted asbeing coupled to the storage device carrier (110-1, 110-2) via a numberof the mounting screws (702).

The second side (706) of the backplane (601) includes a number ofblind-mate interface connectors (703) that are used to couple thebackplane (601) to a corresponding number of interface connectorslocated in a backplane of the internal drive space (106) of thecomputing system (100). In one example, two combination SAS/SATAconnectors (703) are included on the second side (706) of the backplane(601) of each of the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2).In this example, the SAS/SATA connectors (703) provide both signaltransmission for four of the storage devices (111 through 118) and powertransmission to all eight of the interface connectors (603, 604) of thefirst side (605) of a backplane (601) for the two storage device carrierassemblies (110-1, 110-2). This, in turn, provides power to all storagedevices (111 through 118) utilizing those interface connectors (603,604). Thus, the computer system combined signal and power cables providepower to the storage devices (111 through 118) and route signals to themotherboard (101) of the computing system (100) or an add-in adaptercard located in the computing system (100).

The second side (706) of the backplane (601) of each of the storagedevice carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) also include a number ofinterface connectors (704) which provide signal transmission for fourstorage devices (111 through 118). Interface cables (705) are depictedin FIG. 7 as coupling with the interface connectors (704). In thismanner, two of the four storage devices (111 through 118) within one ofthe storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) connect to thecomputing system (100) via the two interfaces (703) and the remainingtwo of the four storage devices (111 through 118) connect to thecomputing system (100) via the two interface cables (705).

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the storage device carrier assembly(110-1, 110-2) of FIG. 3 depicting a second side (706) of the backplane(601) of FIG. 6 including a number of PCIe interfaces (801), accordingto another example of the principles described herein. Similar elementsof FIG. 7 are depicted in FIG. 8. The example of FIG. 8 further includesthe PCIe interfaces (801) through which PCIe storage devices and otherstorage devices (111 through 118) of similar form factor are supportedutilizing the PCIe interfaces (801). In one example, the backplane (601)provides two PCIe connectors (801) to manage the signal transmission ofthe PCIe storage devices (111 through 118) that may be installed withinthe storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2).

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the internal drive space (106) of FIG. 1depicting a storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) insertedtherein, according to one example of the principles described herein.FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the internal drive space (106) of FIG. 10including a number of storage device carriers (120 through 127) andassociated storage devices (111 through 118) inserted therein, accordingto one example of the principles described herein. Two LFF storagedevices (905-1, 905-2) are depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10 to demonstratethat LFF storage devices (905-1, 905-2) take up significant space withinthe internal drive space (106) and to also demonstrate how the storagedevice carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) couple to the interfaces (904)of the internal storage bays in comparison to the LFF storage devices(905-1, 905-2). However, all the LFF storage devices (905-1, 905-2) maybe removed from the internal drive space (106) and replaced with anumber of storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2). Thus, asecond storage device carrier assembly (110-2) may replace the LFFstorage devices (905-1, 905-2) as the first storage device carrierassembly (110-1) is depicted. Examples described herein increase storageand computing capability of the computing system (100) without incurringthe costs of storage expansion infrastructure in the base platform ofthe computing system.

As mentioned above, a backplane (906) of the internal drive space (106)includes a number of interfaces (904). In the example of FIGS. 9 and 10,the backplane (906) includes four interfaces (904). If four LFF storagedevices, two of which are LFF storage devices (905-1, 905-2) depicted inFIGS. 9 and 10, were utilized within the internal drive space (106),then each of the four LFF storage devices (905-1, 905-2) would use oneof the four interfaces (904). In order to double the number of storagedevices, the four LFF storage devices (905-1, 905-2) are removed, andtwo of the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) are insertedinto the internal drive space (106). FIGS. 9 and 10 depict two LFFstorage devices (905-1, 905-2) remaining in the internal drive space(106) in order to contrast the topology the LFF storage devices (905-1,905-2) require and the topology of the storage device carrier assembly(110-1, 110-2) and its associated elements.

In this example, the four interfaces are blind-mate connectors that matewith the blind-mate connectors (703) of the storage device carrierassembly (110-1, 110-2). Because the storage device carrier assemblies(110-1, 110-2) comprise the alignment rails (303-1, 303-2), the storagedevice carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) align with the four interfaces(904) located on the backplane (906) of the internal drive space (106).Each of the four interfaces (904) include a signal component (901) and apower component (902). By connecting the four interfaces (904) to theinterfaces (703), the interfaces (703) are able to provide both signaltransmission and power to a number of storage devices (111 through 118).

In order to provide data transfer for the first and third storagedevices (111, 113), an additional signal line is coupled to thebackplane (601) of the storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2).As described above, two interface cables (FIG. 7, 705) are coupled tothe interface connectors (FIG. 7, 704) to provide such connectivity. Theabove addition of storage device carrier assembly (110-1) may berepeated for storage device carrier assembly (110-2). In this manner,four additional storage devices (111 through 118) within the storagedevice carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) may be coupled to the computingsystem as compared to examples that use four LFF storage devices (905-1,905-2) within the entirety of the internal drive space (106). Thisdoubles the number of storage devices in the computing system (100).

As depicted in FIG. 10, any one of the SFF storage devices (111 through118) may be individually removed from the storage device carrierassemblies (110-1, 110-2) and from within the internal drive space (106)of the computing system (100) without requiring the removal of any otherstorage devices (111 through 118). Storage device 112 is depicted asbeing removed or separated from the remainder of the system withoutaffecting the remaining storage devices (111 through 118). Similarly,any one of the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) may beindividually removed from the internal drive space (106) of thecomputing system (100) without requiring the removal of another storagedevice carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) or any of the storage devices(111 through 118) coupled to the storage device carrier assemblies(110-1, 110-2). This creates a computing environment wherein a user maydynamically change the computing topology of the computing system (100)without the need of tools. This significantly reduces time that mayotherwise be required to adjust the topology or service of the computingsystem (100).

With the above, the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2)provide flexibility to install a variety of storage device form factorsand technologies in a common drive space of internal drive space (106).In one example, each storage device carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) maybe configured with up to four SFF SAS/SATA devices or up to two SFF PCIestorage devices. In another example, each storage device carrierassembly (110-1, 110-2) may be configured with up to four SFF PCIestorage devices based on the example of FIG. 8 wherein two additionalPCIe interfaces (801) are included on the backplanes (601) of thestorage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2).

Once the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) are installedin the computing system (100), the storage devices (111 through 118) maybe independently accessed without the need to remove the entire storagedevice carrier assembly (110-1, 110-2) from the computing system (100).However, as an optional assembly, the storage device carrier assemblies(110-1, 110-2) may be removed to return the computing system (100) toits original configuration. Removal of the storage device carrierassemblies (110-1, 110-2) from the computing system (100) may beexecuted with the storage device carrier assemblies (110-1, 110-2) fullypopulated with the storage devices (111 through 118). This providesusers with a convenient way to remove multiple storage devices at oncewhile keeping them secured in the storage device carrier assemblies(110-1, 110-2).

The specification and figures describe a storage device carrier assemblyfor providing independent device access of a plurality of storagedevices. The storage device carrier assembly includes a device cage, atleast one device cage rail coupled to the outside of the device cage tocouple the device cage to a chassis of a computing system, and aplurality of storage device carrier assembly rails coupled to the insideof the device cage to couple a plurality of storage device carriers tothe device cage. Each of the storage device carriers houses a storagedevice. The storage device carrier assembly also includes a backplanecoupled to the device cage to electrically couple a number of thestorage devices to the computing system. The backplane includes a numberof combination signal and power interfaces located on a first side ofthe backplane to couple a number of the storage devices to thebackplane. The backplane further includes a number of combination signaland power interfaces located on a second side of the backplane to couplethe backplane to the computing system, and a number of signal connectorsto couple the backplane to the computing system.

This storage device carrier assembly may have a number of advantages,including: (1) offering storage expansion and new capabilities to anexisting computing system; (2) allows for higher quantity of storagedevices for increased Redundant Array of Independent Drives (RAID)functionality and performance; (3) as an optional component, the storagedevice carrier assembly enables users to return their computing systemto its original configuration; (4) installs and uninstalls tool-free,with or without storage devices loaded; (5) full tool-free installationand removal design for the storage devices, storage device carriers, andstorage device carrier assembly; (6) access to the storage devicecarrier assembly and installed storage devices may be secured behind alockable access panel of the computing system; (7) the storage devicecarrier assembly can be compatible with multiple computing systems; (8)the storage device carrier assembly supports SAS, SATA, and PCIe storagedevices, and can be easily modified to accept future storage devicetechnologies; (9) the storage device carrier assembly may be removedfrom the computing system with the storage devices and storage devicecarriers still installed in the storage device carrier assembly allowingusers to secure the entire four device assembly; (10) providesindependent drive access within a computing system such that the storagedevice carrier assembly does not need to be removed to access individualstorage devices; (11) the base computing system does not incur the costof storage expansion infrastructure requirements; (12) spacing betweenthe storage devices and spacing between the storage device carriersprovides air channels for system and device cooling; and (13) thecomputing system may be configured with multiple storage device carriersand storage device carrier assemblies, among other advantages.

The preceding description has been presented to illustrate and describeexamples of the principles described. This description is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teaching.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage device carrier assembly for providingindependent device access of a plurality of storage devices comprising:a device cage; at least one device cage rail coupled to the outside ofthe device cage to couple the device cage to a chassis of a computingsystem; a plurality of storage device carrier assembly rails coupled tothe inside of the device cage to couple a plurality of storage devicecarriers to the device cage, each of the storage device carriers housinga storage device; a backplane coupled to the device cage to electricallycouple a number of the storage devices to the computing system, thebackplane comprising: a number of combination signal and powerinterfaces located on a first side of the backplane to couple a numberof the storage devices to the backplane; a number of combination signaland power interfaces located on a second side of the backplane to couplethe backplane to the computing system; and a number of signal connectorsto couple the backplane to the computing system.
 2. The storage devicecarrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the combination signal and powerinterfaces located on the first side of the backplane comprise: a numberof combination Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) andSerial ATA (SATA) connectors.
 3. The storage device carrier assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the combination signal and power interfaces located onthe first side of the backplane comprise: a number of combination SAS,SATA, and Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) connectors.4. The storage device carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the signalconnectors comprise: a number of combination SAS and SATA connectors. 5.The storage device carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the combinationsignal and power interfaces located on the first side of the backplaneare blind-mate interfaces.
 6. The storage device carrier assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the combination signal and power interfaces located onthe second side of the backplane are blind-mate interfaces.
 7. Thestorage device carrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the signalconnectors that electrically couple the backplane to the computingsystem are cable interfaces.
 8. The storage device carrier assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the backplane further comprises a number of signal PCIeinterfaces located on the second side of the backplane to provide PCIeconnectivity between the storage devices and the computing system. 9.The storage device carrier assembly of claim 8, wherein the signal PCIeconnectors that electrically couple the backplane to the computingsystem are cable interfaces.
 10. The storage device carrier assembly ofclaim 1, wherein each of the storage device carriers comprises a storagedevice carrier latch to couple the storage device carriers to thestorage device carrier assembly.
 11. The storage device carrier assemblyof claim 1, wherein each of the storage device carriers is independentlyaccessible without removal of the device cage.
 12. The storage devicecarrier assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the storage device carriersis independently accessible without removal of another storage devicecarrier.
 13. The storage device carrier assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a device cage latch to couple the storage device carrierassembly to the chassis of the computing system.
 14. The storage devicecarrier assembly of claim 1, wherein the storage device carrier assemblyis sold as an after-market product.
 15. The storage device carrierassembly of claim 1, wherein the storage device carrier assembly isconfigured by a manufacturer based on a number of customer-orderedoptions.
 16. The storage device carrier assembly of claim 1, whereineach of the storage device carriers comprises a number of carrier railpins to couple the storage devices to the storage device carriers.
 17. Acomputing system for housing a number of storage devices comprising: aninternal storage bay chassis; a number of device cages coupled to thechassis; a backplane coupled to each of the device cages to electricallycouple a number of the storage devices to the computing system, thebackplane comprising: a number of combination signal and powerinterfaces located on a first side of the backplane to couple a numberof the storage devices to the backplane; a number of combination signaland power interfaces located on a second side of the backplane to couplethe backplane to the computing system; and a number of signal connectorsto couple the backplane to the computing system.
 18. The computingsystem of claim 17, wherein a plurality of device cages are coupleableto the chassis.
 19. The computing system of claim 17, wherein the devicecages are installable into the internal storage bay chassis without theuse of tools.
 20. The computing system of claim 17, wherein the storagedevices housed within the storage device carriers are installable intothe device cages without the use of tools.